Diagnostic ionizing radiation exposure in premature patients

Journal of Perinatology, 03/03/2014Scott MV, et al.

The purpose of this observational study was to quantify the amount of ionizing radiation exposure in infants <33 weeks gestational age and to identify the indications for diagnostic imaging. Ionizing radiation exposure that exceeded the recommended maximum in premature infants at high risk for long–term sequelae occurred in 12.1% of infants who were <33 weeks gestation and who were cared for in the NICU over the past 5 years. CVL placement accounted for 22% of this radiation exposure. GI evaluations accounted for the greatest amount of ionizing radiation exposure. The authors suggest that the increased use of other imaging strategies may reduce total ionizing radiation exposure in this vulnerable population.